BenQ M2200HD - Full HD 22in Monitor review

Summary

Our Score

8/10

Review Price free/subscription

BenQ's M2200HD Monitor is something different. It's a white 21.5in LCD monitor, which in itself is a bit unusual, but it adds to this with multiple connectivity options, an included webcam and a Full HD 1,920 x 1,080 resolution. Better still, all this goodness can be yours for under £200.

Admittedly taking the M2200HD out of its packaging evokes a sense of déjà-vu, since its chassis is exactly identical to the BenQ M2400HD reviewed a month ago. Unfortunately this means the M2200HD has the same build quality issues as its 24in cousin: though plastics feel solid enough, even the slightest adjustment leads to excessive creaking.
In fact, the M2200HD has been slightly downgraded from its larger cousin where build is concerned, in that the metal plate strengthening the base in the latter has been left out. Admittedly the base feels strong enough on its own, but its lattice-work reinforcement doesn't inspire as much confidence as the full bases used by some of the competition such as the ViewSonic VX2260wm.

Aside from this, there are no complaints with the chassis, though it's definitely one that seems to value utility over looks, as is apparent by the unashamedly large power button and the menu labels in plain sight on the display's bezel. For those who haven't read the M2400HD review, let's give it a quick once-over.
As one of the few white displays in these days of piano-black-everything, the M2200HD does have a chunky appeal. Its glossy white bezel is quite narrow except at the base, where its width is disguised by a silver section that terminates in a strip surrounding the whole screen. A similar silver strip goes around the stand's base, while the power button features a large, dim green LED.
Installation is easy: just click in the base and you're done. Adjustability is limited to tilt and while this is pretty much the norm for an affordable TN-based display these days, the flawless ergonomics of the £168 BenQ G2200WT shows that it really shouldn't be. However, the monitor's other features more than make up for it.
Connectivity, for example, is exemplary. Not only do you get VGA, DVI and HDMI around the back, but there's also 3.5mm audio in port and a connection for a USB hub. This hub offers four ports: one at the back, two at the side and one at the screen's top, which is custom moulded to house the included webcam though it can still be used for other devices. There's also a headphone socket at the M2200HD's side, meaning you're thankfully not limited to using the integrated speakers which are as poor as usual, lacking both bass and clarity. Speaking of poor, BenQ still doesn't seem to include any means of digital video connectivity with its displays.